Bicycle Accidents Caused By Distracted Drivers in OKC

Ylla Gosney Attorneys at Law represent cyclists injured by distracted drivers in OKC. If you’ve suffered injuries due to a distracted driver, then you may be entitled to compensation for injuries, property damage, and emotional trauma. To see what legal options are available, contact Ylla | Gosney today for a no-cost, no-obligation consultation.

How Ylla Gosney Attorneys at Law Can Help

Bicycle accident victims typically need extensive medical treatment. Some may lose the ability to work or suffer long-term health complications as a result of a serious accident with a careless motorist. Despite these facts, insurance companies will still attempt to reduce or deny compensation owed to injured bicycle accident victims. Fortunately, a lawyer can protect you from being taken advantage of and protect your rights.

At Ylla Gosney, we stand up for cyclists’ rights in OKC. Our experienced Personal Injury Attorneys are skilled at managing insurance companies, protecting victims from liability, and ensuring they are fully compensated for the following damages:

• Special Damages: medical bills, ongoing treatment, costs that accumulate when you’re unable to work, like rent or mortgage payments
• General Damages: these are non-economic hardships like pain and suffering, anxiety, depression, mental trauma
• Wrongful Death Damages: these damages may be sought by a spouse or close relative for funeral arrangements, burial expenses, and medical treatment before a loved one’s death
• Punitive Damages: these damages are rare, but if the driver engaged in reckless driving with the intention of hurting you, then you could sue for punitive damages

When Should I Contact a Lawyer for a Bicycle Accident?

If you only suffered minor scrapes or bruises from a bicycle accident, you may not need a lawyer. However, you should contact an attorney after a bicycle accident if:

• There were serious injuries: You will need compensation to cover your current and future medical bills if you’ve suffered serious injuries. An attorney can ensure both.
• Wrongful death: If a loved one has passed away due to the accident you will need compensation for funeral expenses and damages related to the untimely loss.
• Fault: If you are blamed for the accident, but are not at fault, an attorney can protect and assign liability to the at-fault parties. Also, an attorney can reduce liability if you are liable to some extent.
• Multiple parties involved: Multiple parties make cases complex. An attorney can manage your case while protecting your best interests and right to compensation from all liable parties.
• False police report: If a police report places blame on you, and you disagree, an attorney will gather evidence to support your claim.

Most Common Causes of Bicycle Accidents in OKC

According to the National Library of Medicine, distracted driving bicycle accidents are the leading causes of bicycle injuries and fatalities. 33.8% of bicycle accidents are caused by distracted drivers, predominantly occurring between the hours of 6 p.m. and midnight. Bicyclists are also more likely to be hit at crosswalks than at any other part of the road. This is because distracted drivers typically fail to slow down at intersections. Other common reasons for bicycle accidents include:

• Speeding: speeding only increases the severity of accidents and is a leading contributor to fatal motorcycle accidents every year in OKC. A driver’s CPU data can potentially reveal their speed before an accident.
• Moving violation: running red lights, illegal U-turns, or failing to yield can disrupt the flow of traffic, leading to major accidents. These illegal actions can typically be proven by traffic camera footage and eyewitnesses.
• Driving under the influence (DUI): this careless action is one of the leading causes of fatal bicycle accidents in OKC.

How to Strengthen Your OKC Bicycle Accident Claim

If you suffer a bicycle accident injury, seek medical attention immediately. Nothing is more important than your health. After you get medical care, it is recommended to:

• Report the injury to OKC police: failing to report an accident can be detrimental to your claim. A police report should be filed, even if you believe you’re fine after the accident. A report will not only place liability on the responsible party, but it will serve as evidence if you decide to take legal action.
• Take your own photos of the scene and get witness statements. Photos, videos, and witness statements can help you establish a strong case so that your compensation cannot be denied by the insurance company. Irefutable evidence works in your favor in case someone changes their story or the insurance company tries to claim you were at fault.
• Follow up on your injuries with a doctor. Any injuries you’ve sustained from your accident will become a part of your case, and you will need a doctor to corroborate your injuries.
• Contact Ylla | Gosney Attorneys at Law to protect your rights to compensation. Most accident victims find themselves overwhelmed by the incident and fail to realize the enormous impact a serious injury can have on their lives. Our experienced attorneys can help you understand your options and get you the compensation you need to make a full recovery.

Average Settlement for OKC Distracted Driving Bicycle Accidents

The severity of your bicycle injuries will account for a majority of your overall compensation if you reach a successful settlement. While there are other determining factors, the following personal injury classifications can give you a rough estimate of what your case is worth.

• Minor injuries: Approximately $1,500 – $15,000 – minor injuries are considered sprains, strains, and minor cuts and bruises.
• Moderate injuries: Approximately: $15,000 – $100,000 – moderate injuries are considered fractures, herniated discs, and torn ligaments.
• Severe injuries: Approximately $100,000 – $1,000,000+ – paralysis and death can quickly exceed settlement amounts of around $1,000,000 or more.

What Factors Could Decrease My Settlement?

Understanding the factors that can potentially harm your bicycle accident injury case is essential to knowing the value of your lawsuit. While Ylla | Gosney’s highly experienced accident attorneys will highlight the reasons you deserve compensation, we will also work aggressively to protect you from the factors that could reduce your compensation. These factors include:

1. Pre-existing conditions: Pre-existing medical conditions unrelated to the accident could complicate and potentially decrease the settlement.
2. Lack of strong evidence: The inability to prove the liable party’s fault or carelessness in the accident can undermine your case and reduce your settlement.
3. Delayed medical treatment: Delays in seeking medical treatment after the accident may count against you as it implies your injuries were not that severe.
4. Inconsistent statements: Inconsistencies in your statement or re-telling of the incident can hurt your credibility and diminish settlement prospects.

Contact an OKC Bicycle Accident Lawyer

If you or a loved one has been injured in a bicycle accident in OKC due to a distracted driver, the Personal Injury Attorneys at Ylla | Gosney can help. Our firm will aggressively pursue liable parties to recover the maximum amount of damages you’re owed. Don’t wait until it’s too late to take legal action. Contact Ylla Gosney Attorneys at Law today to begin your free initial consultation and get the expert legal help you need.